Architecture and Environment Paper Essay

Architecture and the environment help to shape one another so they must be describe together. To build architecture constructors take from the environment but both architecture and the environment serve the people of the world. To fully understand the interactions of architecture, the environment, and the effects of each on human behavior one must view as variables of one whole. The Impact Physical Structures have on Human Behavior It only takes visiting a beautiful place like a Maine coast light house, a Scottish castle, or a villa in Greece to feel the profound affects it has on ones mental condition. Worries are melted away and the soul is refreshed. Lighter or brighter spaces tend to increase alertness and even guard against depression. Rooms that are intended for relaxation should have dark colors with carpeting and few sharp edges. Low ceilings typically improve focus on detail-oriented tasks where conversely high ceilings increase creativity. Views of nature such as trees and open green spaces significantly inspire creativity, concentration, and memory. Clearly, it is significant to construct buildings that are sensitive to the needs of a user and should also compensate for ones inability to spend time outside. Certain human populations spend more time indoors than outdoors, which can have an unpropitious effect ones well being, health, and even comfort. This is why it is so important to create indoor en vironments that suit and meet ones basic needs (Pultar, 1997). Architecture Directing Human Behavior Architecture not only influences human action but can also help to direct that action. Research has proven that the way a person lives can affect their social interaction with others. One study showed those who live in apartments that were close to one another were less interested in social interaction surrounding them and had possession of limited space. The interest for knowing what was around them was not present nor the need to share who they are with others. Places of worship and places of work are perfect examples of how architecture can impact human behavior. Churches specifically use designs and furniture when building a church that will elicit the appropriate response when the congregation is attending. However, doing this the reverence of the God they want others to understand and know about is an exciting learning experience that the people want to continue to  come back and worship at that church. (Bro & Popow, 2000) Environmental Psychological Implications of Design Everyone is impacted to some degree by building design, so it is to no ones surprise that the involvement of environmental psychology in design is enormous. The way ones surroundings are arranged can provide either possibilities or limitations. Therefore, when creating any kind of space, it is very significant to know for what and who will use it. It is important to know where to build, how much space will be needed, and its purpose. The building needs to be matched with his or her user so that the best functionality can be established while meeting certain criteria such as quality, safety, and performance. Environmental psychological implications of commercial design are being designed these days very often depends on public demands. Without the involvement of the user, a designer will be unable to construct a building that will meet everyone’s needs and will pay attention to aspects such as safety and flexibility. For instance, there are several intentions of a hospital. A hospital must first provide the right kind of care to its patients but at the same time, it needs to consider the needs of its employees by providing a sufficient work environment. One of many concerns when designing a hospital is providing the most efficient care for patients without sacrificing effective care. Therefore, the layout of a hospital contributes greatly the care of a patient. It has been researched that the distance between a nurse’s station and a patient’s room plays a vital role in the kind of care the patient receives and the speed with which he or she receives it. Besides space, another concern existing in a work environment, such as a hospital, is privacy. Privacy is very difficult to be maintained in such an environment and is important for the well being of a patient and staff. It has been acknowledged that short periods of privacy improved the productivity of nurses. At the same time, allowing privacy for patients contributes to more interactions that are social. In addition, the amount of noise, the kind and quantity of light, facility indoor colors, more windows and nicer views, and availability of gardens are just few of the many features that can improve the well-being of a patient and contribute to better employee productivity (Kesan, 2000). Environmental Psychological Implications of Residential Design When constructing a  residential property, it is very important that the design will encourage and best performance to those using this living place. The user is vital in the process of creating a residential layout because he or she will be spending a lot of time in this property. Therefore, it is very important that a residential property meets ones needs, is well made, safe, functional, and cost efficient. Recent research concluded that it is important to create a unity between the built environment and a user because the design of a home can affect ones way of living (Tappendorf, 2002). When designing a residential area, one must be aware that he or she is not only creating a building for space but he or she is also producing a place, which must provide residential satisfaction and will help express identity. Space supplies the user with dimensions for living, the needed amount for privacy, and room for others. Place is personal individually influenced, and makes one feel at home. Creating a life space requires various implementations and considerations such as where, for whom, and for what purpose the house is built, how to organize the support spaces like the kitchen and bathrooms, and how many and where to place the support systems like lightning, windows, and others. In addition, when organizing a living space, one should decide between an open or closed plan. A closed plan means more divided rooms allowing for more privacy, whereas an open plan allows for more flexibility within a living space but less privacy. In the end, providing a home that is functional and meaningful at the same time will allow the owner to become attached to it (Tappendorf, 2002). Whatever the decision one makes in his or her residential area, this chance of doing so will most likely change over time. Importance of Architectural Development supporting Sustainable Development Various factors contribute to the importance of architectural development being necessary to support sustainable development. For far too long, this has been not a significant matter because the main focus was to create a higher standard of living, which caused enormous and irreversible damage to the environment. However, with the continuously rising numbers of people on this planet and the increasing shortage of natural supplies and resources, the paradigm shifted to make a change. Sustainable building is without question one of the most cost-efficient solutions to reduce the rapidly depleting natural resources and adverse impact on the environment. Clearly, when build anything; it is crucial to think about the future and  therefore, the environment. As seen in the past, humanities decisions have impaired the ability to sustain and in some cases done irreversible damage to the environment. Continuing on this path is impossible because it will destroy the ecosystem for future generations. The ecosystem will be unable to restore itself and make it impossible for future generations to survive on this planet. According to the U.S. Department of Energy constructing and maintaining manmade environment is responsible for half of all greenhouse gas emissions and more than half of annual energy consumption in North America (Moore, 2009). This news is shocking and definitely requires a major change in the way future architecture develops. Fortunately, research agrees and it is progressing to implement more environmentally sound aspects when designing architecture. Conclusion In conclusion architecture design plays a big role as to how humans respond to their surrounding as we know work, school, hospitals, and churches all has its effects on person whether it is the furniture, lighting, colors, or structure. The world buildings are being designed with the given understanding to promote and motivate people to want to remain where they are. Designs are always evolving to match what the environment is putting out.

Love Is All About Sacrifices Essay

Love encourages people to sacrifice important things in their lives for others. Love can destroy or improve ones’ life. It once happen to a little country girl in the early days. Love totally changed her life both destroying it and improving it. This girl’s name was Kat and she was the mayor’s daughter who was advised by her father to marry a guy named Bruce. Bruce was kind of a nice guy, really successful, but very serious and didn’t have no time to have fun. He was very well liked by the whole town and all the girls went crazy when they saw him. Everyone thought it was a great idea if they got married. Although, on the other hand, Kat was a girl very high spirited and she had fun all the time. One windy and cloudy afternoon, Bruce asked Kat’s hand in marriage while talking to her father. Kat’s father was very happy about the news that he announced the request to the whole town. Kat rather seemed â€Å"okay† about the whole situation instead of being excited. That night she had a dream about a dart in a board spinning over and over again but instead of the spinning making her dizzy she was happy. It was a really strange dream and it kept repeating three nights in a row. Contrary to her strange dream, she went to seek advice from her grandma who was probably about 94 years old. She was so excited to see her granddaughter and listen to her. â€Å"I had a dream grandma, a very strange dream and I need you to tell me what you think it means† she said. â€Å"I’m all ears† said grandma. â€Å"Let’s hear it†. She explained the whole dream to her grandma and said â€Å" so what do you think it means? † Asked Kat. Grandma said â€Å"pumpkin this dream means you should follow your heart and instinct because something important is about to happen in your life†. With excitement she said â€Å" oh grandma, I love you, you always have answers to every question†. â€Å"That’s what I do†. So Kat decided to head towards home. On her way home she noticed a conveyance truck or moving truck parked in front of an old house. Due to curiosity, she neared and watched what was happening there. To her amazement, she saw a handsome spirited young man who was admiring the building. She asked â€Å"are you new in the neighborhood? † â€Å"Yeah I am, anyway I am Jason†. She stared at him for a while before answering† oh, I am Kat the mayor’s daughter and it’s nice to meet you† she finally said. I have to go, so I guess I would be seeing you around† she said. â€Å"Yeah â€Å"he answered. She looked so happy and relaxed on her way home. At her arrival at home her dad wanted to talk to her about Bruce but she said she didn’t like Bruce and wouldn’t marry him. Her father tried to convince her but she didn’t want to talk about it. The next day she went spying on Jason, she would get up early, go hide behind the house hoping to see him. This continued for many days until her best friend Tatiana followed her one day and found out she was spying on the â€Å"new guy in town† as she referred Jason to. During one morning, Tatiana went over to Jason’s house and told him all about what Kat did every morning. So he hid behind the house waiting for Kat to come. She did and was caught by Jason. He explained to her how he knew and that he also likes her but doesn’t spy on her behind her house every morning. Surprisingly, they started to go out for months during which Kat’s dad kept haunting her to marry Bruce. Six months later, they both expressed their feelings and decided to tell Kat’s dad that they are getting married. To their dismay , Kat’s dad did not agree with their decision and refused to give them his blessings. Out of love for Jason, Kat decided to leave her dad and the town to go get married to Jason in a different town or country. Before leaving she thanked her best friend Tatiana for being there for her and helping her. Also she invited her to be the brides maid at her wedding. Without her father’s acknowledgement she left the town, got married and had kids. Then he realized how happy his daughter is and began to regret not being there for her. So life can be real hard or easy but it all depends on the decisions made in our lives. Sacrifices made in our lives can result in pain or happiness. We should be wise and always make the right sacrifices!

Personal Development Plan Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 1

Personal Development Plan - Essay Example It has to comprise job assignments that build leadership skills. And it has to be hold up by the organization and incorporated into a development philosophy that views planning documents as the commencement of the development expedition, not the end (Ametrano, I. M., 2003, 190-193). During the research of this network based assignment I have equally focus upon my personal development and look for to become accustomed the worldwide assessment of performance more especially to the personal development in networking. It is based mainly on WAN based networking for Nokia Incorporation The primary four part scores seek to gauge Personal grooming as a professional figure when I was capturing data, the aptitude to create a living in a dynamic-based company like Nokia. To design and implement a network model for an international organisation to get connections between two branches. To also examine the network model to make sure it met the performance and compatibility requirements. No doubt, the objective of this network based project is a development plan for multier national company is an important part of any effectual leadership-development system at two levels. At the organizational level, these plans make sure that the next age group of leaders will have the skills and skills required to define and implement the corporation's strategies. According to this research work at the personal level, it forces me as future leader to focus on what needs to be done in order to grow. When done right, the individual development plan becomes a contract future leaders make with themselves and the organization about the things they want to do or to become. The plan creates discipline and a good plan creates motivation. If we analyzed then we come to know about basic object of this research based project: 1. Research into different area networks (LAN, WAN, MAN, etc) 2. Research into few network modelling and simulation software. (OPNET guru etc) 3. Critical evaluation on the chosen area network (WAN) 4. Critical evaluation on the chosen network modelling and simulation software(OPNET guru) 5. To illustrate the issues to produce a better performance of a WAN 6. Using network modelling and simulation software(OPNET guru) to create a simulation for the designed network model 7. Implement a prototype to demonstrate the simulation of the network. 8. Testing the prototype to ensure it performs and its performance of the network met the requirements. No doubt, the worth network systems of Nokia is a ground of hypercompetitive and personal development spirited individuals were look at in an example of successful people. As predictable, people higher in hypercompetitiveness and in personal development competitiveness were together further possible to support values connected to self-contained uniqueness such as attainment, hedonism, and a determined for an exciting and demanding life, but merely hypercompetitives authorized the worth of power and control over others. Furthermore, the data point to that people higher in personal development competitiveness were extra prone to support values linked to ensembled uniqueness. In exacting, they powerfully endorsed values linked with social concern, that is, with caring regarding the well-being of others and by treating them

English school, Marxism, Neo Marxism ( short answers) Essay

English school, Marxism, Neo Marxism ( short answers) - Essay Example that they conceive themselves to be bound by a common set of rules in their relations with one another, and share in the working of common institutions.† (Bull 1977, 13). He defines system as being an arena which has interaction between communities and no shared rules or institutions. The distinction between international system and international society helps the English School scholars in addressing the question how far international society extends. Significantly, â€Å"by looking at the formation of the system it is possible to discern mechanisms which shape and shove international and world societies...† and â€Å"the category of the system can usefully be used to capture the basic material forces in world politics - flows of information and trade, levels of destructive capability, capacities of actors to affect their environment.† (Dunne 2007, P. 138). There is an essential distinction between the dependency theorists and the realist theorists on the nature of the international system – or more accurately, an inter-state system. The English School scholars were interested in the system basically for what it tells about the history of international society. â€Å"If one takes Bulls developmental insight into the relationship between system and society, then it is clear that the existence of a society presupposes the existence of a system... It is also important to realize that systemic interactions remain a possible future arrangement if the dominant actors in international society cease to comply with the rules and act in ways which undermine the international security.† (Dunne 2007, P. 139). The nature of the international system according the dependency theorists is less convincing than that of the realism. One of the essential considerations in the International Relations is that there is an important distinction between problem solving and critical theories. It was Robert Cox who distinguished between problem solving and critical theories in

Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 284

Assignment Example Persing, (2010), explains how to administer drugs when treating respiratory complications. Dosage calculations always follow the rule that; 1 milliliter of a one percent solution will always amount to ten milligrams (10mg) of solute. Drug calculations are imperative to establish the optimal levels of serum sodium, chloride, and potassium. The drugs administered to patients with respiratory complications have differing side effects. Patients must be consulted about existing medical conditions to identify the type of medication to be administered. Normal sodium levels range between 135-145 milliequivalents per liter of blood (mEq/L). Hyponatremia will result if the blood sodium levels are lower than 135mEq/L. Hypernatremia is the condition where the blood sodium level exceeds the 145mEq/L limit. Under both conditions; the cells swell up with excess water resulting in cell damage. Excess sodium can result in high blood pressure while inadequate sodium levels may impair the functioning of nerves and muscles. Normal chloride results range between 96 -106 mEq/L. Hyperchloremia occurs if the chloride level exceeds 106mEq/L, whereas hypochloremia results from extremely low levels (96mEq/L) of chloride. Both conditions result in an electrolyte imbalance within the body to cause an electrolyte disturbance. In addition, the transport of oxygen may also be affected under both conditions. The levels of potassium in the body vary with age. For adults, the levels range between 3.5 to 5.2mEq/L or 3.5 to 5.2 Milli-moles per Liter (mmol/L). High potassium levels result in hyperkalemia whereas low potassium levels result in hypokalemia. Hyperkalemia may lead to an irregular pulse whereby there is sudden collapse if the heartbeat is too slow. Under both conditions, the nervous system becomes slow and affects the efficient functioning of the

Terra Firms ITSM Process Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

Terra Firms ITSM Process - Essay Example The warranty associated with file sharing includes an ability to deliver files containing important information safely without compromising the integrity of the information contained in the file. File sharing should be fit for use to guarantee warranty. The file sharing system should appeal to all the stakeholders sharing the files. Site, which falls under video conferencing category has the utility of providing a venue in which video conferencing is held. It has the utility of providing a mechanism in which different stakeholders can communicate between field offices in U.S, Europe and other places to the headquarters. The warranty expected is primarily the potentiality of the site to offer efficient web conferencing via ISDN. Field office help desk, which falls under PC support, seeks to provide localized customer care service and only call the head office for higher-level support. Utility expected is for the field office help desk to offer efficient customer service support without fail. As a warranty, the field office help desk should work seamlessly at all times and should be able to address a variety of issues presented by the customers. The testing lab falls under Software engineering. The primary utility includes providing efficient and effective testing mechanisms for production processes, manufacturing, as well as information management systems. The expected warranty includes providing up to date testing standards, authentic, and reliable set of measurement standards over a long period. Production control should satisfy the utility of ensuring all factors of production follow stipulated standards while it offers a warranty of quality and optimal production at all times.

Economy of Venezuela Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Economy of Venezuela - Essay Example Venezuela is situated in the Northern Hemisphere, to the North of the South American plate, very close to the Equator. It shares borders with Colombia to the West, Brazil to the South, Guyana to the East and the Caribbean Sea to the North. Venezuela has 2,800 km of coast line and a number of islands can be observed off its coast: Barbados, Aruba, Curaà §ao, Bonaire, Trinidad and Tobago, and the Leeward Antilles. Venezuela shows a great diversity of landscapes: the Andes stretch towards the northwest of the country, where its highest peak Pico Bolà ­var (4,979 m) is located; the middle part of the country, which stretches from the Orinoco river to Colombia, is flat; and to the south, the Guiana Highlands are located in the fringes of the Amazon Basin. It is in this latter area where the highest waterfall in the world, the Angel Falls, is situated. The USA, Mexico, Colombia and Brazil are the main trade partners of Venezuela. The economy of the country is dominated by the petroleum sector, which accounts for approximately one third of the gross domestic product (GDP). The oil trade, controlled by the state-owned company Petrà ³leos de Venezuela (PDVSA), represents more than a half of the government revenues and 80% of the country’s exports. Other major exports are aluminum, steel and agricultural produce. Within the agricultural sector, which the country is highly dependent on, the main products are coffee and cocoa. The growth in the production of these two crops is dictated by the export market. While Venezuela had been world leading in terms of coffee production, the petroleum market of the 1960s and 1970s converted the country into the richest of South America and the coffee trade was relegated to a secondary position.

International Competition Law and Practice Essay

International Competition Law and Practice - Essay Example Competition should be healthy and fair. It becomes unfair and subject to scrutiny when some firms attempt to drive their competitors out of the market. This is why there comes the need to regulate the anti-competitive behavior by companies. Competition law achieves this purpose and maintains market competition. Among the member states of the European Union, there is a set of treaties which are known as Treaties of the European Union. Among these treaties is the Treaty on the functioning of the European Union. Article 101 of this treaty prohibits the formation of cartels and other agreements that have the potential of disrupting free competition in the internal market of European Economic Area. e. â€Å"make the conclusion of contracts subject to acceptance by the other parties of supplementary obligations which, by their nature or according to commercial usage, have no connection with the subject of such contracts.† In the European case Carbon Gas Technologie,1 several companies joined together in an agreement under which they decided to exploit coal deposits in a much efficient manner. They agreed on using these reserves in a manner that is much less harmful to the environment. Some cases, like KSB/Goulds/Lowara/ITT,2 involve only economic elements but they are allowed as they pass a fair share of the benefits on to the consumer. But in the case of ARA, ARGEV, ARO,3 environmental benefits were not discussed under the criterion of fair share for consumers. As far as environmental benefits are concerned, preventive measures are also regarded as contributions to the protection of environment.4 In 1994, the Commission allowed an agreement between Exxon and Shell under which ethylene was no longer required to be transported between the two companies. It was because the transport of ethylene is harmful for the environment. The case of Philips – Osram5 is another example of cases in which redu ction of negative externality is taken into

A New Strategy for Kodak Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

A New Strategy for Kodak - Assignment Example The fall of Kodak began around the 1970s. The emergence of new (digital) imaging technologies and the entrance of more competitors in the photography sector saw the giant enterprise experience decreasing sales thus fewer profits and slow growth (Jones, 2011). This downfall led to the emergence of the debate as to whether Kodak could regain its position in the imaging industry, or whether it would diminish until it vanished at the start of the 21st century. The following study text discusses the implementable new strategies for Kodak which would not only revive its stance in the imaging industry but also help it advance its business model to match the new era and the demands of cloud services. In integrating the Kodak Company into the cloud service industry, thus striving to retain its dominance in the imaging sector, Kodak requires several objectives. The first objective is to align all its segments to match with digital imaging, which is the key determinant of business in the 21st century. This means that its licenses, products, and services should match the acceptable standards of digital imaging. The second objective would be training its employees and all involved partners in production to adapt to new technologies of production so as to match the demands of cloud services. The third objective is to come up with data and financial systems which are accurate and reliable since data and financial control are a necessity in cloud services. Fourth, Kodak should partner with an established cloud enterprise which can overly advertise the reformed Kodak in the cloud community. Finally, Kodak should acquire flexibility when it comes to cloud services in that it has to customi ze its services depending on some specific target market segments. In so doing, it is bound to attract more clients by satisfying needs specific to particular segments.

Reflective Discussion Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Reflective Discussion - Essay Example The fact that I could not perform well and the falling expectations that I had from myself made me lose interest in my studies. When I started this independent learning module, I was both a bit reluctant and sceptical. This is because the major way that I learnt was through the lectures given by teachers. I had not been in the habit of learning on my own unless it was to prepare for a test or to do an assignment. Independent learning did not seem to be of any use to me, since I had developed the attitude that when left on my own, I would give other things priority over my learning and education. However the full impact of the module was yet to unfold. Starting the module with scepticism, I saw my attitude and perception towards self-directed learning change over the course of the module. The experience of pursuing information on my own and learning for the sake of learning, without having a supervisor directing me to study taught me a number of things. The experience also brought my strengths and weaknesses to surface. Initially, independent learning was an arduous task for me. I knew that I had to study and it made me feel guilty when I used to waste time in the first few days of the module. However, it took me a class on self-motivation to realize where my problem lay. The class made me aware of my inaptitude to focus on goal-oriented learning. I realized that I lacked the intrinsic drive to study on my own and regulate my own learning. This encouraged me to take a series of steps to solve the problem. I asked my peers who performed well about how they study and balance their study and social life. I read literature on self-motivation. Moreover, I started implementing the philosophy of kaizen into my daily routine. Instead of delaying my assignments till the last day, I started work on them timely. I set short-term goals for myself, rewarding myself when I achieved them. Thus I gradually brought about little changes in my daily routine. These experiences made me appreciate my ability to identify the problem at hand and take concrete measures to counter it. I realized that where there is a will, there is a way. If a person is motivated and dedicated towards the achievement of his/her goals, he is most likely going to achieve them no matter how many challenges come in the way. However one weakness that independent learning highlighted was my tendency to become isolated. Effective independent learning requires that the individual engages in discussions with his/her teacher (CILL 2009). However I felt that I became very isolated with my peers and teachers towards the latter half o f the module. I believe that interaction with the tutor is necessary for not only clearing the misconceptions regarding the course work and understanding any concepts that the student does not comprehend, but also for providing guidance to the student. I feel that I did not have adequate interaction with my tutors and peers. There were some things in the course work that I did not get. Initially I remember that I did approach teachers or a peer for help. However later in the module, as I became involved in my own work, my interaction with my peers and teachers decreased so much so that I felt hesitant when it came to approaching them for help. This hesitance did have its consequences. I spent a longer period of time understanding a concept on my own as compared to the time I would have spent if I had received directive from an external source. Moreover

Nursing Research Problem Essay Example for Free

Nursing Research Problem Essay Infections are a common cause of both morbidity and mortality in premature infants; examples of infections include necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) and sepsis (infection of the bloodstream). Infections in premature infants result in prolonged ventilation, prolonged hospitalization, and higher medical costs, and can cause neurodevelopment impairment (Manzoni et al., 2009). The use of high-potency antibiotics can lead to resistant strains of bacteria and potentially damage the infant’s liver and/or kidney function. Within the past decade, research has turned from finding treatments to finding methods to reduce infections. Breastfeeding and human milk has been well supported through research to provide immunity and positive outcomes for preterm and full-term infants. Breastfeeding and human milk provides nutritional, gastrointestinal, immunological, developmental, and psychological benefits to preterm infants and plays an important role on their long-term health and development (Callen Pinelli, 2005). The components of breastmilk that support immunity include lactoferrin, lysozymes, interferon, and sIgA antibody (Callen Pinelli, 2005). Specifically, lactoferrin (LF) is an iron-binding glycoprotein found not only in breastmilk, but also in saliva, tears, and other bodily secretions; LF has biological functions which include immunomodulatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant effects, and inhibits growth of pathogenic bacteria, fungi, and viruses (Yen et al., 2009). The described functions of LF support the protective role in immunity. The purpose of this investigation is to determine the effects of oral lactoferrin supplementation on reducing infections in preterm infants. Nature of Problem and Importance to Nursing Practice A nosocomial infection is described as an infection that is acquired after 48 hours of hospital admission (Rodriguez et al., 2010). In neonates,  a late-onset infection is defined as an infection obtained after the perinatal period (Manzoni et al., 2009). Nosocomial infections include infections of the gastrointestinal tract (necrotizing enterocolitis, NEC), blood stream (sepsis), and lung (pneumonia). The effects of an infection in a preterm infant can lead to â€Å"poor growth, adverse long-term neurological sequelae, increased length of hospital stay, and a substantial cost to families, hospitals, and society† (Rodriguez et al., 2010, p. 207). The risk of nosocomial infections increases with the decreasing birth weight and gestational age, and roughly 21% of very low birth-weight (VLBW) infants will encounter a late-onset infection (Stoll et al., 2002). The most common gastrointestinal infection in premature infants is NEC, affecting 2.6% to 28% of VLBW infants (Lin et al., 2005). NEC is widely considered as a multifactorial disease, with no specific pathogenesis; three major factors have been proposed: the presence of a pathogenic organism, the challenge of enteral feeding, and altered enteric mucosa integrity (Lin et al., 2005). NEC is â€Å"characterized by necrotizing injury to the intestine that requires antibiotic treatment and, in severe cases, surgical intervention† (Brooks et al., 2006, p. 347). Reduction of infections in preterm infants is of high priority and active research is being performed to find safe preventative measures, improve patient outcomes, and decrease hospital length of stay. Lactoferrin is an iron-binding protein found in mammalian milk and is important in innate immune host defenses (Manzoni et al., 2009). Partial digestion of LF in the stomach produces peptides called â€Å"lactoferricin† that contain more potent antimicrobial activity (Yen et al., 2009). Human colostrum contains more LF than breastmilk, saliva, tears, or other mucosa linings in the body. Studies have been performed to determine bovine or porcine LF effect on prevention of infection in mice and rat pups; conclusions showed a reduction in â€Å"the frequency of bacterial infections in the GI tract while promoting the growth of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria species, which are generally believed to be beneficial to the host† (Yen et al., 2009, p. 591). Bovine, porcine, and human LF molecules are similar, and bovine and porcine LF has been reported to show higher antimicrobial activity compared to human LF (King et al., 2007). In 2001, the US Food and Drug Administration declared bovine lactoferrin generally recognized as safe  (CFSAN, 2001). Bovine or human LF can be given as a formula additive, breastmilk additive, or given to patients by swabbing of the mouth, either actively feeding or with nil per os (NPO) statuses. Research studies have now been performed on the effects of bovine or porcine LF on prevention of infections in VLBW and preterm infants, and LF shows to be a promising agent of prevention. Evidence-based Practice Question Evidence-based practice (EBP) is defined as â€Å"a practice that involves clinical decision-making based on the best available evidence, with an emphasis on evidence from disciplined research† (Polit Beck, 2008, p. 753). Nursing practices are changing in the NICU to include swabbing of the infants mouth with colostrum every six hours to assist in prevention of infection and improve feeding tolerance. The following question is developed to determine the outcomes of infection prevention by LF in preterm infants: Does the supplementation of LF decrease the occurrence of nosocomial infections in preterm infants? Conceptual/Theoretical Framework The studies reviewed did not mention a conceptual or theoretical framework pertaining to the relationship of the subjects investigated. A conceptual model of nursing, Levine’s Conservation Model, can be utilized in applying the methods investigated to provide care and prevention of infection in preterm infants. Levine’s Conservation Model is focused in promoting adaptation and maintaining wholeness using the principles of conservation (â€Å"Current Nursing,† 2010). The model guides the nurse to focus on the influences and responses at the organismic level and accomplish the goals of the model through the conservation of energy, structure, and personal, and social integrity (â€Å"Current Nursing,† 2010). Conservation of energy in preterm infants is necessary for appropriate growth, and is achieved by adequate rest and nutrition; fighting an infection in preterm infants results in NPO status and irritability, thus expending energy. The conservation of structural integrity means to prevent physical breakdown and  promote healing, and is the consequence of an effective immune system (â€Å"Current Nursing,† 2010). The technique of LF supplementation and its potential preventative outcome on infection helps the patient conserve energy and structural integrity. Variables and Findings Manzoni et al. (2009) performed a prospective, multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial examining whether oral supplementation with bovine LF alone or in combination with Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) reduces late-onset sepsis in 472 VLBW infants. The independent variable of this study is the supplementation of bovine LF or LGG and the dependent variable is the occurrence of infections in VLBW infants. The study randomly allocated infants into three groups; groups consisted of a control group (n = 168, infants supplemented with a placebo) and an experimental group (n = 153, infants given bovine LF alone and n = 151, infants given bovine LF with LGG). The main outcome measured the first episode of late-onset sepsis (sepsis occurring after 72 hours of birth); all tests were two-tailed, and P .05 was considered statistically significant (Manzoni et al., 2009). When stratifying for birth weight, Manzoni et al. (2009) noted a significant decrease in late-onset sepsis in extremely low birth-weight (ELBW, birth-weight 1000g) infants (P = .002 for bovine LF v. control and P = .002 for bovine LF plus LGG v. control) whereas it was not significant in infants weighing 1001 to 1500 g (P = .34 for bovine LF v. control and P = .07 in bovine LF plus LGG v. control). Overall, the results showed a significant decrease in the occurrence of infection in VLBW infants in the experimental groups versus the control group (P = .002 for bovine LF v. control and P .001for bovine LF plus LGG v. control) (Manzoni et al., 2010). A double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study examined the impact of bovine LF supplementation to bottle-fed infants (King et al., 2006). The participants included 52 infants between the age of 0-4 weeks of age, ≠¥34 weeks of gestational age, and ≠¥2000 g, and who were strictly bottle-fed. The infants were randomized in a double-blind fashion; the control group  received a small dose of bovine LF and the experimental group received a higher dose of bovine LF (King et al., 2006). The independent variable is the supplementation of the higher dose of bovine LF and the dependent variable is the impacts observed in the first year of life. The outcomes measured included diarrhea, upper respiratory infection (URI), acute otitis media (AOM), and lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI). The infants were examined six times throughout the year on the measured outcomes. The results showed a significant decrease in the occurrence of LRTIs in the experimental group than in the control group (P 0.05) (King et al., 2006). Even though this study did not include preterm infants 34 weeks, the effects of bovine LF are still apparent in the protection against infection. Yen et al. (2009) performed a study to examine the effects of porcine LF as a selective decontamination of the digestive tract (SDD) regimen in neonatal mice. Transgenic mice were generated to express porcine LF; the neonatal mice fed from the transgenic mice and were then challenged with pathogens to evaluate in vivo antimicrobial activity of porcine LF (Yen et al., 2009). The control group contained mice that were fed normal milk and the experimental group contained mice that were fed the porcine LF (Yen et al., 2009). The independent variable is the transgenic mice with porcine LF supplementation and the dependent variable is the antimicrobial activity observed. The outcome measures included the growth rate of the mice pups, the state of the intestinal tract mucosa, and the circulating cytokines (Yen et al., 2009). Yen et al. (2009) concluded that the experimental group of neonatal mice showed a significant reduction of severity of illness (P .01), a significant inhibition of microbial survival in the intestinal tract (P .01), and a significant decrease in the number of bacteria cultured (P .05) than in the control group. The authors proposed that porcine LF is an ideal natural SDD regimen for the prevention of nosocomial infections in critically ill patients (Yen et al., 2009). Conclusion Research has proven the high incidence of a nosocomial infection and its adverse outcomes in a preterm infant. The efforts of research have changed  to finding a method to reduce or prevent nosocomial infections in preterm infants. Human colostrum is best in supplying the infant with LF to fight infection, but other methods of supplying LF are being studied. Research has recently proven that the supplementation of bovine LF has decreased the occurrence of infections in VLBW and preterm infants. Future research should include a larger, neonatal population specifically targeting VLBW and/or ELBW infants and the effect of LF supplementation on prevention of NEC. Further studies are needed to determine the dosing, duration, and type of LF (bovine, porcine, or human) that will be most effective in the prevention of infection in preterm infants without causing adverse effects or intolerance (Venkatesh Abrams, 2010). References Brooks, H. J. L., McConnell, M. A., Corbett, J., Buchan, G. S., Fitzpatrick, C. E., Broadbent, R. S. (2006). Potential prophylactic value of bovine colostrum in necrotizing enterocolitis in neonates: an in vitro study on bacterial attachment, antibody levels, and cytokine production. FEMS Immunology and Medical Microbiology, 48, 347-354. doi:10.1111/j.1574-695X.2006.00151.x Callen, J. Pinelli, J. (2005). A review of the literature examining the benefits and challenges, incidence and duration, and barriers to breastfeeding in preterm infants. Advances in Neonatal Care, 5(2), 72-88. doi:10.1016/j.adnc.2004.12.003 Current Nursing. (2010). Levine’s four conservation principles. Retrieved on September 23, 2010 from http://currentnursing.com/nursing_theory/Levine_four_conservation_princples.html King, J. C., Cummings, G. E., Guo, N., Trivedi, L, Readmond, B. X., Keane, V., †¦ de Waard, R. (2007). A double-blind, placebo-controlled, pilot study of bovine lactoferrin supplementation in bottle-fed infants. Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, 44(2), 245-251. Lin, H., Su, B., Chen, A., Lin, T., Tsai, C., Yeh, T., Oh, W. (2005). Oral probiotics reduce the incidence and severity of necrotizing enterocolitis in very low birth weight infants. Pediatrics, 115 (1), 1-4. doi:10.1542/peds.2004-1463 Manzoni, P., Rinaldi, M., Cattani, S., Pugni, L., Romeo, M. G., Messner, H., †¦ Farina, D. (2009). Bovine lactoferrin supplementation for prevention of late-onset sepsis in very low birth-weight neonates. The Journal of the American Medical Association, 302(13), 1421-1428. Retrieved on September 4, 2010 from http://jama.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/full/302/13/1421 Polit, D. E., Beck, C. T. (2008). Nursing research generating and assessing evidence for nursing practice (8th ed.). Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams Wilkins. Rodriguez, N. A., Meier, P. P., Groer, M. W., Zeller, J. M., Engstrom, J. L., Fogg, L. (2010). A pilot study to determine the safety and feasibility of oropharyngeal administration of own mother’s colostrum to extremely low-birth-weight infants. Advances in Neonatal Care, 10(4), 206-212. Stoll, B. J., Hansen, N., Fanaroff, A. A., Wright, L. L., Carlo, W. A., Ehrenkranz, R. A., †¦ Poole, W. K. (2002). Late-onset sepsis in very low birth weight neonates: the experience of the NICHD neonatal research network. Pediatrics, 110(2), 285-291. Retrieved September 9, 2010 from http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/110/2/285 US Food and Drug Administration, CFSAN/Office of Food Additive Safety. (2001). Agency response letter: GRAS notice (No. GRN 000077). Retrieved on September 23, 2010 from http://www.fda.gov/Food/FoodIngredientsPackaging/GenerallyRecognizedAsSafeGRAs/GRASListings/ucm154188.htm Venkatesh, M. P., Abrams, S. A. (2010). Oral lactoferrin for the prevention of sepsis and necrotizing enterocolitis in preterm infants. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Art. No.: CD007137 (5). doi:10.1002/14651858.CD007137.pub2 Yen, C., Lin, C., Chong, K., Tsai, T., Shen, C., Lin, M., †¦ Chen, C. (2009). Lactoferrin as a natural regimen for selective decontamination of the digestive tract: recombinant porcine lactoferrin expressed in the milk of transgenic mice protects neonates from pathogenic challenge in the gastrointestinal tract. The Journal of Infectious Diseases, 199, 590-598. doi:10.1086/596212

Case Study on Avon Products Inc

Case Study on Avon Products Inc Should Top Management at AVON explicitly shape and change the culture of its organisation? Should Kroft, Woodbury, Jung or Gold has hopes of Succeeding Perrin, what should they do to develop their competencies and managerial leadership further so that the AVON board would look at them, and conclude that they have been there, and they have done that? Identify the problems and issues at AVON, and suggest ideas how the company could gain the competitive advantage in the global trade. Answer to Question 1: Yes, the AVON top management should explicitly continue to shape and change the culture within the organization. Based on our study, we found some issues faced by AVON Company as the following: AVON Managers are lack of sensitivity and slow response to the external environment change. In example: AVON managers were slow to realize that the influx of women in to corporate America had important consequences for home-based cosmetic sales. Resulted profitability slumped in 1980s. Poor financial performance at AVON has signalled the company for a need to become more responsive to a changing consumer market. Some unnecessary internal activities such like company session tickets for the Knicks and Yankees in the pass has also factored unnecessary cost to company. Those activities were scrapped later. As stated in the case study. Multiculturalism is the main challenge to the company as vital element in meeting customer demand and gaining competitive advantage. Those issues had badly contributed to AVON corporate culture and created impact for company performance in the pass. Definition of Corporate culture: So what is the definition of Corporate Culture? The definitions for corporate culture are numerous and are being refined and added to every day. The general academic view is that it is the shared, beliefs, assumptions, values, rules and norms the members of a collective such as a corporation or department hold. While this is perfectly acceptable we prefer to take the view expressed by Marvin Bower of McKinsey who said corporate culture is the way we do things around here. There are more sophisticated and certainly convoluted definitions for corporate culture but it is succinct and provides a good starting point for those who are new to corporate culture. Source: Corporate Culture, nd. Dudley Consulting, Inc. [Online] Available at: [Accessed 30 September 2010] Its difficult to change AVONs culture, the way we do things around here does not practice a positive corporate culture this is due to wrong believes, value and rules applied to the company culture. They dont lead by good examples and good leadership. But AVON has done it and turns those wrong doing to a positive culture started 1990s, as following: AVON start creates leadership campaigns such as sending middle managers for leadership development training. The entire management team participated in awareness training by leading diversity consultants. Management launch multicultural planning research project to evaluated company policies and practices regarding promotion. Indentify potential barriers to the advancement of women and minorities. Set up a task force across corporate head quarters multiple profit centres with more than 100 employees. Company has developed goals. To continue built a positive corporate culture, AVON shall consider below suggestions which is not practice from above example that AVON have done : Stories. A group packages up its culture into stories which are frequently told and re-told, and which typify the values of the group eg the time we all stayed late on Xmas Eve to get the last orders finished and then has an impromptu party at the local. Heroes. Individuals who typify to an extreme the values of the group. Symbols. These may be staff mottoes, the corporate mission statement or anything that symbolises the core values. Rites. These are specific occasions, such as the annual office party, when the core values are publicly displayed. Formal award ceremonies are another example. These are especially important for enculturing new staff. Rituals. This means a standard pattern of behaviour at a specific occasion, such as the office party if things are always done in a particular pattern. Courses. Attending in-house courses is an important way of team-building and communicating the core values. Cultural Networks. This means the informal contacts between employees where they reinforce core values, especially by passing them from older to younger group members. Source: organisation building a positive corporate culture, nd. tutor2u. [Online] Available at: [Accessed 30 September 2010] With above ideas to shape the company culture, AVON is likely achieve the following advantages of Strong Corporate Culture A common interpretation of the Instruction, so work is done to a similar standard and in a similar manner. Increase employee loyalty, and avoid expenses of employee turnover. Increase productivity of the company. Increase the Management control. Answer to Question 2: Before we jump to the point for discussing who shall be taking over AVON dealership there are something more vital to discuss first. Definition of Leadership : Good leaders are made not born. If you have the desire and willpower, you can become an effective leader. Good leaders develop through a never ending process of self-study, education, training, and experience (Jago, 1982) A simple definition of leadership is that leadership is the art of motivating a group of people to act towards achieving a common goal. Source: Leadership, Susan Ward, About.com Guide. [Online] Available at: [Accessed 30 September 2010] Leaders carry out this process by applying their leadership knowledge and skills. This is called Process Leadership (Jago, 1982). However, we know that we have traits that can influence our actions. This is called Trait Leadership (Jago, 1982) Leadership is simply showed by good example, lead people to right things and do things right. A good leadership can groom another good leader. However, AVON does not groom any successful leader by any mentor. It caused AVON suffered many years. Until the company decided to source another leader who is experienced as chief executive in another global company. It had shown that company direction is to hire another guru to be the mentor and lead existing executive which hope to groom them in future. Definition of competencies: A competency is a skill, ability, or knowledge set that can be taught or developed. All competencies have indicators that allow them to be observed and measured. A leadership competency model is a group of competencies linked to leadership excellence in a specific organization. A leadership competency model supports the organizations vision and strategy by providing a framework by which the organization can select, develop, and evaluate leaders. Source: Joaquin Roca, 2009. What Is a Leadership Competency and How Do I Create a Competency Model? [Online] Place: USA/ Human resources and labour relations community. Available at: [Accessed 30 September 2010] A successful company should have a good leader with good leadership and competencies. In AVON, one of the main issues that that are facing is most of them are not processing comprehensive leadership and appropriate core competencies. A core competency is fundamental knowledge, ability, or expertise in a specific subject area or skill set. Source: Rafael Gutierrez, 2003. Core Competency. [Online] Available at: [Accessed 30 September 2010] Base on the AVON case study, should Susan Kropf to be the next leader of AVON, she not only needs to process a good operation and global marketing core competency skill which she already has. But also develop the following core competencies: Financial and Administrative skill which Edwina Woodbury has. To able to sustain company financial health growth. Crisis management and cost cutting skill from Christina Gold. Answer to Question 3: The main issue of AVON is due the lack of competitive advantage in global trade. Should AVON, like to gain a better business position, they should focus on building up the Completive Advantage in the globalisation era. Definition of Global Trade: Also refer to Globalisation. As economies become more connected to other economies, they have increased opportunity but also increased competition. Source: globalization, nd. Investorwords. [online] Available at: [Accessed 30 September 2010] Globalisation describes a process by which regional economies, societies, and cultures have become integrated through a global network of communication, transportation, and trade. The term is sometimes used to refer specifically to economic globalization: the integration of national economies into the international economy through trade, foreign direct investment, capital flows, migration, and the spread of technology. Source: Bhagwati, Jagdish (2004). In Defense of Globalization. Oxford, New York: Oxford University Press. Definition of Competitive Advantage: The Competitive Advantage is the ability gained through attributes and resources to perform at a higher level than others in the same industry or market (Christensen and Fahey 1984, Kay 1994, Porter 1980 cited by Chacarbaghi and Lynch 1999, p. 45) In VAON, they do not gain a Cost Advantage simply because their internal cost is high, unnecessary expenses such like New York City Ballet and the New York Philharmonic session ticket. They also not leverage the advantage of internet technology and still relay on Door-to-Door selling approach. They also do not seem to have differentiation advantage within the company. AVON should consider taking below steps to gain Competitive Advantage in the Global Trade: Cost leadership Is there any way to make cost advantage among all the competitors in this borderless era? They can move the production line move to a country to provide lower cost of production. Or leverage Technology advantage such like internet to cut the advertisement cost or agent cost? Like Dell has been very successful on its direct model to outreach consumers using the internet order system. Differentiation How to make AVON product unique from other product? AVON can consider using product development strategy to improve product packaging to maintain the market awareness. Focus AVON should avoid participate in all product range. And focus on niche product that they are good with. And become the leader of that particular area/product.

Analysis of Pilotage and Pilots Limitation of Liability

Analysis of Pilotage and Pilots Limitation of Liability Provisional title of the thesis: A comparative analysis of pilotage and pilots limitation of liability in Australia. Area of investigation and/or the questions to be investigated Consider the following scenario. A vessel under the control of a compulsory pilot is maneuvering within a port limit. Master of the vessel follows the on-shore directions by the pilot and due to negligence of the pilot the vessel crashes into a wharf. Some basic questions that could arise from the above scenario are: Who is responsible for any damages? If the master, following an on-shore direction, enters a compulsory pilotage area without a pilot on board, is he guilty of an offence for proceeding without a pilot? Is the pilot liable for acting outside of pilotage? When does pilotage actually commence? Should the statutory rules regarding limitation of liability for pilots be changed to hold negligent compulsory pilots individually responsible for actions outside of pilotage? If a master follows a radioed direction provided by an on-shore pilot, should he be liable for proceeding without a pilot in a compulsory pilotage area?What is the liability for negligence of compulsory unlice nsed pilots?[1] Finally, what is the appropriate description of a master-pilot relationship? This research will investigate these questions. Theoretical significance of the project A pilot is someone who is very familiar with the port; endowed with a requisite professionalism and necessary local knowledge to maneuver a vessel in a port safely.[2] In addition, he is responsible for the protection of the environment and the promotion of the efficiency in the harbor.[3] In Australia, under section 6 of the Navigation Act 1912, pilot means a person who does not belong to, but has the conduct of, a ship. In terms of limitation of liability, section 410B(1) of the Navigation Act stipulates that a pilot who has the conduct of a ship is subject to the authority of the master of the ship and the master is not relieved from responsibility for the conduct and navigation of the ship by reason only of the ship being under pilotage. Although there are consistencies in the meaning of pilotage among jurisdictions in Australia, the pilotage legislations are slightly different in some states. For example, while the New South Wales Marine Safety Act 1998[4] considers the pilotag e as conduct of a vessel, the Port Authorities Act 1999 (WA)[5] describes pilotage as being in command of a vessel. The first issue is the definition of conduct of a ship. In Braverus Maritime Inc v Port Kembla Coal Terminal Ltd[6]the Federal Court of Australia concluded that the statute considered the pilot as the servant of a ship owner and simply listed the definition of pilot as it stands in the Navigation Act. In Fowles v Eastern Australian Steamship Co[7] Chief Justice Barton ,with reference to the Queensland Navigation Act (1876), explained thatthe master shall deliver and give in charge the vessel to the duly qualified pilot who shall first board or go alongside of such vessel in order to conduct the same into port, and such pilot shall if required by such master produce his authority to act as such pilot, and no master of any such vessel shall proceed to sea from any of the said ports or quit his station or anchorage in any port, without receiving on board the harbor master or some pilot appointed as aforesaid to move or conduct the said vessel to sea. Further, the comment of Christopher Hill stating what a pilot is not, purely and simply, is an adviser[8] is inconsistent with the practical concept[9] and the statutory definition of a pilot. The second issue is pilots limitation of liability. Under Navigation Act 1912 (Cth) section 410B (2) the exclusion of pilot from liability is absolute. Porter LJ in Tower Field v Workington Harbour and Dock Board[10]clarified that under Section 410B of Navigation Act  a ship owner who through a compulsory pilot is responsible for faulty navigation is responsible for damage to his own ship as well as for injury to the property of another. As far as the limitation of liability is concerned, the state legislations in Australia are comparatively aligned with the Navigation Act. In New South Wales, all pilots and pilotage service providers are excluded from liability for negligence.[11] Though, the pilot who willfully endangers the vessel or her crew is guilty of an offence.[12] In South Australia a pilot is excluded from liability for negligence.[13]In Victoria, under the Marine Act 1988 (Vic) a pilots liability is limited to $200 plus the amount of pilotage.[14]In Queensland, Pilots a re excluded absolutely from liability for negligence or damage.[15] Finally, in Western Australia, the pilots liability is limited to $200.[16] Moreover, a pilot is excluded from liability for negligence causing damage to the vessel.[17]In Oceanic Crest Shipping[18], where a vessel under the control of a negligent compulsory pilot damaged to a wharf in Western Australia, the pilot and harbor authority were completely excluded from liability for negligence. As can be seen, the traditional approach to pilotage has introduced difficulties and the concerned parties including, harbor authorities, ship owners and pilot service providers are faced difficulties to answers the questions mentioned in the section i. This research will help to solve the problems in dealing with pilotage by focusing on three main areas. First, the Australias pilotage regime should be re-assessed to provide clarified definitions. Second, the inconsistencies between the states should be eliminated through a uniform pilotage regime which is agreed by the states. Third, the pilotage regime should also determine a fair limitation of liability of pilots. Indeed, since the application of above mentioned changes will result in changing the settlements of claims and the expenses incurred by the relevant parties, this research will focus on how these changes would be addressed in future pilotage regime. Therefore, this research is aiming to reduce the inconsistencies either in the liability of pilots or in the limitation of liabilities in Australias pilotage regime. Proposed research methods I would provide a theoretical understanding of the research, that the legal regulations concerning pilotage and the limitation of liability in the light of the analysis of different states legislations in Australia and various legal acts in different countries. Therefore, the method which will widely be used is comparative method. The Function of pilots, their liabilities and the limitation of their liabilities will be studied and compared in the following acts, legislations and case law. Australia: Under Commonwealth Legislation: Navigation Act 1912 (Cth). The state legislations in New South Wales, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, Queensland and Western Australia. The United Kingdom: Pilotage Act 1987 (UK) and Merchant Shipping Act 1995 (UK). Canada: The Pilotage Act, RSC 1985, c P-14. The United States: The national system of pilotage regulation both by the states and by the federal government. The reason these countries were selected is because their legal systems are mainly based on English common law. The analytical method will be implored to analyze legal concepts and rules concerning pilotage and limitation of liability in different legal systems. This is important because through this method, appropriate conclusions would be drawn, and possible suggestions would be proposed in the bid to improving Australian Legislation of Limitation Liability of Pilots and Pilotage. Proposed thesis structure including where possible, provisional chapter sketches Preliminary table of contents: Introduction Fundamental concepts of pilotage and pilots limitation of liability. National approaches to the pilotage and limitation of liability. 1. Australia 2. The United Kingdom 3. Canada 4. USA. Analysis of findings focusing on pilotage and limitation of liability in Australia. Conclusion including suggestions and mechanisms of addressing problematic issues. Timescale for the research: Year Research activities 1 To draft a research plan. Collation of data, reading of relevant materials and writing of the Introductory chapter. 2 Reading and evaluation of limitation of liability legislations in the United Kingdom and Australia. 3 A reading and evaluation of the limitation of liability legislations in Canada and USA. Publication of the main some aspects of the dissertation in the books, monography (this may not be necessary for now). 4 Analysis of findings, arrangement of thesis and final submission. Bibliography Table of Cases Braverus Maritime Inc v Port Kembla Coal Terminal Ltd [2005] FCAFC 256 Federal Court of Australia, 12 December 2005. Fowles v Eastern Australian Steamship Company Limited [1913] 17 CLR 149. Oceanic Crest Shipping Company v Pilbara Harbour Services Pty Ltd [1986] 160 CLR 626. Tower Field (Owners) v Workington Harbour and Dock Board [1950] 84 Ll. L. Rep. 233, 255. Textbooks Christopher Hill, Maritime Law (Lloyds of London, 3rd ed, 1989) 376. Table of Legislation Harbors and Navigation Act 1993 (SA). Marine Act 1988 (Vic) . Marine Safety Act 1998 (NSW). Pilots Limitation of Liability Act 1962 (WA). Port Authorities Act 1999 (WA). Port Authorities Act 1999 (WA). Transport Operations (Marine Safety) Act 1994 (Qld). Online Sources Shilavadra Bhattacharjee, What Are The Duties Of Officer On Watch When Pilot Is On Board Ship? (Marine Insight, 2016) accessed 6 December 2016. Henrik Nicander and Isak Isak, What Skills Do Port Pilots Need? (2014) accessed 6 December 2016. [1] Braverus Maritime Inc v Port Kembla Coal Terminal Ltd [2005] FCAFC 256 (12 December 2005) [2] Shilavadra Bhattacharjee, What Are The Duties Of Officer On Watch When Pilot Is On Board Ship? (Marine Insight, 2016) accessed 6 December 2016. [3] Henrik Nicander and Isak Isak, What Skills Do Port Pilots Need? (2014) accessed 6 December 2016. [4] Marine Safety Act 1998 (NSW) s 71(1). [5] Port Authorities Act 1999 (WA) s 3(1). [6] Opt.cit.n.1. [7] Fowles v Eastern Australian Steamship Company Limited [1913] 17 CLR 149. [8] Christopher Hill, Maritime Law (Lloyds of London, 3rd ed, 1989) 376. [9] Ibid. [10] Tower Field (Owners) v Workington Harbour and Dock Board [1950] 84 Ll. L. Rep. 233, 255 (Porter LJ). [11] Marine Safety Act 1998 (NSW) s 80(1): Neither the State, nor the Minister, nor a pilotage service provider is liable for any loss or damage that is attributable to the negligence of any person made available as a marine pilot by the pilotage service provider while the person is acting as a marine pilot. [12] Marine Safety Act 1998 (NSW) s 81: A marine pilot of a vessel who, by any wilful act or omission, endangers the vessel or its crew is guilty of an offence. [13] Harbors and Navigation Act 1993 (SA) s 36(3): The liability of the owner or master of a ship for damage resulting from a fault in the navigation of the ship is unaffected by the fact that the vessel is under pilotage or that the pilotage is compulsory. [14] Marine Act 1988 (Vic) s 104: A pilot is not liable in negligence in respect of the voyage on which the pilot is engaged for more than $200 plus the amount of pilotage in respect of voyage. [15] Transport Operations (Marine Safety) Act 1994 (Qld) s 101(1): A conducting pilot is not civilly liable for damage or loss caused by an act or omission of the conducting pilot. [16] Pilots Limitation of Liability Act 1962 (WA) s 3: Notwithstanding the provisions of any other Act or law, but subject to the Navigation Act 1912 of the Parliament of the Commonwealth, a pilot is not liable for neglect or want of skill in piloting a ship beyond the amount of $200 together with the amount payable to him on account of pilotage in respect of the voyage in which he was engaged when he became so liable. [17] Port Authorities Act 1999 (WA) s 99: The owner or master of a vessel moving under compulsory pilotage in a port is liable for any loss or damage caused by the vessel, or by a fault in the conduct or navigation of the vessel, in the same manner as the owner or master would be liable if pilotage were not compulsory. [18] Oceanic Crest Shipping Company v Pilbara Harbour Services Pty Ltd [1986] 160 CLR 626.

One of the Few, One of the Proud Essay -- United States Marine Corps S

One of the Few, One of the Proud To some it may seem â€Å"easy† to become a soldier in the United States Marine Corps. A recruit goes to boot camp, passes, and goes on to save the world and defend the nation, but in fact it is much harder. Boot camp in itself is a test for the body to see its weaknesses and turn them to strengths and to see how long the brain can be mentally alert and ready and when tired can still give a hundred percent. Within boot camp there is the ultimate test that proves whether a recruit is just another person or if they have what it takes to be a Marine. This test is called the Crucible; it is not just the title of a book. Boot camp begins in the recruit’s home state when they sign the papers and a contract to allow the recruit to be shipped to Parris Island, South Carolina. It is eighty-nine days of depending on one’s self and trusting people that would normally be considered strangers. These are teammates and allies. Everyday is spent with them and they will help you succeed or suffer in those eighty-nine days. A recruit accomplishes a goal with his fellow recruits or fails with them. It is never a one-person effort. This is important in the end. During boot camp, each personal receives eight hours of sleep for a sixteen-hour workday. In this time, civilians learn what it takes to become a Marine and know what is expected of them. There is constant movement and training so that there is no free time to sleep or get distracted from the goals (Seymour). Every task and mission asked of a person during boot camp has a purpose. The purpose is to prepare the future soldier for any kind of situation that may take place in the field during a real mission. T... ... USMC - MCRDSD/WRR - Description of Recruit Training. United States Marine Corps. 19 Nov. 2003 <http://www.mcrdsd.usmc.mil/RTR/trainingDS.htm>. Woulfe, James B. Into the Crucible: Making Marines for the 21st Century. New York: Ballantine Books, Inc, 2000. Mission Complete: "The battle of Iwo Island has been won. The United States Marines by their individual and collective courage have conquered a base which is as necessary to us in our continuing forward movement toward final victory as it was vital to the enemy in staving off ultimate defeat. By their victory, the 3d, 4th and 5th Marine Divisions and other units of the 5th Amphibious Corps have made an accounting to their country which only history will be able to value fully. Among the Americans who served on Iwo Island, UNCOMMON VALOR WAS A COMMON VIRTUE." -Admiral Chester W. Nimitz

Shark Population Decline Essay example -- Sharks Extinction Populatio

Every Jaws fan knows the shark gets it in the end. What they do not know is that too many sharks have gotten it; and that has caused a rapid decline in the shark population over the past thirty years. Since the 1970's, sharks of the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico shores have declined eighty-five percent. Sharks are vital animal to our world's ecosystem, and if the decline is not controlled; we could be facing devastating problems in years to come. Information has been obtained from two books: The Shark Almanac by Thomas B. Allen and Sharks, An Introduction for the Amateur Naturalist by Sanford A. Moss. Sources also include a number of online references, among them BBC News, ENS News, The New York Times, and two online scientific journals: Congruent Trends in Long-term Zooplankton Decline in the North-east Atlantic and Basking Shark (Cetorhinus maximus) Fishery Catches off West Ireland and Shitfting baselines and the decline of pelagic sharks in the Gulf of Mexico. Sources conclu de with two brief articles: one written for USA Today by Traci Watson, and the second written for Newsweek by Lucy Howard and Paul O'Donnell. The informational taken from these sources include topics such as history of fishing for sharks and what their body parts are used for, the decline in the shark population, and why it is so harmful, and what measures need to be taken to control the shark population. Articles also illustrate how the decline in sharks has been portrayed to the general public and they are reacting. For centuries, humans have been hunting sharks for sport, food, medicine and leather with little regards for the health of the shark population (Allen, 1999). Sharks are considered one of the most challenging fish to catch, and their ... ...ating to scientific reality, most of the articles you find on the topic speaks the writer's opinion on the matter and interrelated scientific facts, true facts and statistics that are mostly found in books scientific journals. Sharks have been around for over 400 million years. They out lived the dinosaurs and other terrestrial species. Today, they live much like they did then, with little evolutionary changes. There are 375 different species of sharks, but if the problem with managing the populations of sharks will continue if change is not made. If everyone cannot agree on a way to stop the rapid declines there will be serious consequences on our environment, especially our oceanic plankton. We have seen that because of our need to want luxurious objects and delicate meals has caused a problem so big in our oceans ecosystems we cannot tell what it has done.

El Nino and La Nina :: essays research papers

What are El Nino and La Nina? El Nino and La Nina are unusual weather patterns that form in the period of 10 months. El Nino and La Nina both impact climates all around the world, each different in countries and regions. Normal weather patterns are when low atmospheric pressure is over northern Australia and Indonesia, and when high atmospheric pressure is over the Pacific Ocean. Winds move east to west over the Pacific. The east flows of the trade winds carries the warm surface waters to the west, and bring rainstorms to Indonesia and northern Australia. To the coast of Ecuador and Peru, warm surface water is pulled west, and the cold water beneath pulls up to replace it. This is called an upwelling. An El Nino happens in intervals of 3-7 years. The formation of this is related to the Pacific Southern Oscillation which is also the cycling of the Pacific Ocean circulation. The Pacific Southern Oscillation (the change of atmospheric pressures) happens when the easterly trade winds collapse, weaken, or even reverse. As this happens, the upwelling stops. The slight weakening of the winds cause a small change in sea surface temperatures, and the wind and pressure changes increase. The warm water of the western Pacific Ocean flow eastward and sea surface temperatures increase on the western coast of South America. When this occurs, the wet weather conditions (originally in the western Pacific) move east, and dry conditions (normally in the east) appear in the west. During El Nià ±o?s in the Pacific Northwest, the amount of precipitation greatly decreases, the winter temperatures get milder, and winter has below-average precipitation. Some economical and environmental impacts are that erosion is increasing due to severe storm surges, concerns that property built on low-lying areas or on top of unstable bluffs possibly be flooded or threatened by landslides due to regional climate changes, and various salmon species potentially endangered. In California, during El Nino?s they get extreme precipitation and snowfalls. Economical and environmental impacts are heavy precipitation, damage from debris flows or mudslides, and floods from the rain. El Nino seasons in Peru bring so much rainfall that there is now a lake made from the rain, compared to the desert it once was. Several economical and environmental impacts from El Nino include massive floods or mudslides, and since Peru lives in a cold-water zone, it carries many fish that are caught and so ld commercially, but during El Nino, a layer of warm water covers the nutrient-rich east coast waters, abruptly stopping the upwelling and the nutrients fail to come up.

Assignment – Principle to Accounting

Question 1 (Total 10 Marks) Instructions: Indicate in which journal the transactions given below would be recorded by placing the appropriate journal abbreviation in the space provided. AbbreviationJournal GJGeneral Journal CBCash & Bank Book SJSales Journal SRSales Return Journal PJPurchases Journal PRPurchases Return Journal CB 1. Received cash on outstanding amount from customer. SR 2. Customer returned merchandise sold on account. CB 3. Sold merchandise to customer for cash. GJ 4. Owner withdrew merchandise for personal use. GJ 5.Paid shipping charges on merchandise purchased on account. GJ 6. Purchased office equipment on credit. PJ 7. Credit purchase from supplier. GJ 8. Recorded adjusting entries. SR 9. Returned damage merchandise to supplier which has not paid yet. SJ 10. Sold merchandise to customer on account. Question 2 (Total 22 Marks) Instructions: Given the entry information in Silva Trading, prepare appropriate entries for the month of August 2012: 0. Aug. 1Sold mercha ndise for cash $300. Dr Cash$300 Cr Sales$300 1. Aug. 2Purchased merchandise from ABC Co. n account for $5,000; terms 2/10, n/30. 2. Aug. 4Sold excess land for $7,000 accepting a 2-year, 12% note. The land was purchased for $7,000 last year. 3. Aug. 6Sold merchandise to D. Stone on account for $930, terms 2/10, n/30. 4. Aug. 8Accepted a sales return of defective merchandise from D. Stone—credit granted was $280. 5. Aug. 11Purchased merchandise from Tanner Hardware on account for $1,800; terms 1/10, n/30. 6. Aug. 12Paid freight of $200 on the shipment from ABC Co. in cash. 7. Aug. 15Received payment in full from D. Stone by cash. 8. Aug. 19Paid ABC Co. n full by cheque. 9. Aug. 20Paid Tanner Hardware in full by cheque. 10. Aug. 27Purchased office supplies for $250 cash. Question 2 Answer: |Date |Account |Debit ($) |Credit ($) | |Aug. 1 |Cash |300 | | | |Sales | |300 | |Aug. |Purchases |5,000 | | | |ABC Co. | |5,000 | |Aug. 4 |Notes receivable |7,000 | | | |Land | |7,000 | |Aug . 6 |D.Stone |930 | | | |Sales | |930 | |Aug. 8 |Sales return |280 | | | |D. Stone | |280 | |Aug. 1 |Purchases |1,800 | | | |Tanner Hardware | |1,800 | |Aug. 12 |Carriage inward |200 | | | |Cash | |200 | |Aug. 5 |Cash |637 | | | |Discount allowed |13 | | | |D. Stone | |650 | |Aug. 19 |ABC Co. |5,000 | | |Bank | |5,000 | |Aug. 20 |Tanner Hardware |1,800 | | | |Bank | |1,782 | | |Discount received | |18 | |Aug. 7 |Office supplies |250 | | | |Cash | |250 | Question 3 (Total 48 Marks) Instructions: Based on your entries done in Question 2, prepare, for the month of August 2012: a) Adjusted trial balance (24 Marks) b) Income statement (12 Marks) c) Balance sheet (12 Marks)Silva Trading Trial Balance as at July 31, 2012 ————————————————————————— Account TitlesDr. Cr. ————— Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€Ã¢â‚¬â€ Cash500 Bank9,075 Prepaid Insurance2,000 Freehold Lands31,000 Notes Payable26,000 F. Santos, Capital15,000 F. Santos, Drawing2,000 Sales17,125 Purchase6,400 Salaries Expense4,000 Supplies Expense1,500 Insurance Expense1,200 Interest Expense500 Interest Payable 50 Total58,17558,175 Question 3(a) Answer: Silva Trading Trial Balance for the period ended 31st August 2012 Account Titles |Debit ($) |Credit($) | |Cash |987 | | |Bank |2293 | | |Prepaid Insurance |2000 | | |Freehold Lands |24000 | | |Notes Payable | |26000 | |F. Santos, Capital | |15000 | |F.Santos, Drawing |2000 | | |Sales | |18355 | |Purchase |13200 | | |Salaries Expense |4000 | | |Supplies Expense |1500 | | |Insurance Expense 1200 | | |Interest Expense |500 | | |Interest Payable | |50 | |Notes receivable |7000 | | |Sales return |280 | | |Discount allowed |13 | | |Discount received | |18 | |Carriage inwards |200 | | |Office supplies |250 | | | |_____ |_____ | |Total |59423 |59423 | Question 3(b) Answer: Silva Trading Income statement for the period 31st August 2012 Sales | |18355 | |-Sales return | |280 | | | |18075 | |-Discount allowed | |13 | |Net sales | |18062 | | | | |-Cost of sales | | | |Purchases |13200 | | |-Discount received |18 | | | |13182 | | |Carriage inwards |200 | | | | |13382 | |Gross profit | |4680 | | | | | | | | | |Expenses | | | |Salaries Expense |4000 | | |Supplies Expense |1500 | | |Insurance Expense |1200 | | |Interest Expense |500 | | | | |7200 | |Net loss | |(2520) | Silva Trading Balance sheet as at 31st August 2012 |Non-current assets | | | |Freehold Lands | 24000 | |Office supplies | |250 | |Notes receivable | |7000 | | | |31250 | |Current Assets | | | |Cash |987 | | |Bank |2293 | | |Prepaid Insurance |2000 | | | |5280 | | |Current Liabilities | | | |Notes Payable |26000 | | |Interest Payable |50 | | | |26050 | | | | | | |Works capital | |(20770) | | | |10480 | |Owner’s Equity | | | |Early Capital | |15000 | |-Drawing | |2000 | | | |13000 | |-Net loss | |(2520) | | | |10480 |

Mattel’s Toy Recalls and Supply Chain Management Essay

This case talks focuses on the event in the year of 2007 when Mattel – the leading global toymaker – voluntarily recalled its toys from worldwide stores. Mattel’s name is synonymous worldwide for its most famous product – the Barbie Doll. The recall was initially for 83 toys which had excessive lead paint and soon after 6 more products we recalled which had a design problem of small magnets coming off the toys in addition to the use of lead paints. The lead that was used could potentially be toxic for children and the magnetic parts that could come off the toys could potentially be fatal for the digestive systems of children if ingested. All the toys recalled were manufactured in China and in total more than 1.5 million toys were called back. The initial diagnosis was that the main cause of the problem was â€Å"Made in China† however the case explores that the root causes for the default were defective designs. Background – Mattel & China * China had become the leading manufacturer of toys by 2000 * 80 % of toys coming to US were manufactured in China * 65% of Mattel toys were produced in China * Most Chinese toys were made in about 5000 factories located in Guangdon province in China. These factories were majorly owned by Hong Kong Mattel’s Supply Chain Mattel’s product fell into two broad buckets. First was the core products like Barbie dolls which sold through longer periods and the second bucket comprised of the non-core products which comprised of seasonal toys like movie characters. By 2007, more than half of the revenues for Mattel came from core products that were manufactured in Mattel – owned plants in china. The remaining products which were procured from local Chinese licensed vendors. Mattel had an inspection program in place for its products. Off the 5000 products that it used to develop each year, it would randomly check products by taking them off the production line. In order to supply paint to Mattel’s supply chain a vendor had to be a certified one. The complication with this arrangement was that on many occasions Mattel’s direct vendors contracted down to other suppliers who in turn contracted to other suppliers and thus the origin of certain products were difficult to trace – for example the lead paint. Even though Mattel had not allowed its vendors to sub contract to other vendors without its permission, it was not sure how well Mattel’s suppliers were adhering to this. Ironically, 200 of Mattel quality and vendor assurance employees were located far away from the production facilities in Hong Kong. As a good HR practice Mattel had hired a professor with international reputation for being a critic of worker treatment to report independently of any malpractices in Mattel. Reasons leading to the event * Pressures on Chinese toy manufactures. Most toy sales were coming from big box stores like Walmart, Target etc. The business model of these big retailers revolves around extreme cost pressures. This led to a lot of bargaining with Chinese manufacturers to cut down their costs. At the similar time, the Yuan had appreciated and increasing costs of raw materials (such as fuel costs) left little room for Chinese manufactures to invest in significantly progressive quality programs. * Manufacturing Problems Lead in paint was a frequently occurring problem for toy manufacturers. Even though Chinese manufacturers had put processes in place that had checks to avoid having lead in the paints, it was increasingly difficult to monitor the quality of paints * Design Problems In 2007 many toy products had small magnetic parts attached to them which could potentially get detached from the toys and then they could be accidently be ingested by the children. These magnets, once inside the digestive system were toxic and could potentially stick together and harm the intestines. Another design problem was that some of the toys were susceptible to being broken. Most of the designs were made outside China and thus this was not a manufacturing problem. * Product Misuse Some recalls of Mattel’s products were because of the potential misuse by children. There were choking or strangling hazards associated with some of the products that made the products dangerous. Mattel’s Response The expected impact of Mattel’s recalls was to the tune of $30 million dollars which was about half of the operating income of that quarter. The media coverage and global attention aggravated the issue. In order to deal with this Mattel’s response was as follows. * Three point check system As the first point check – for the lead paint every batch of paint could only be acquired from certified vendors. Second, the controls for vendors and contractors were made more stricter and random checks were constituted. Thirdly, the finished products would be subjected to final checks before they reach the customers * Sub contracting policies Mattel reviewed it’s subcontracting policies to control excessive subcontracting * Purchase of new equipment to detect lead Mattel incorporated a plan to purchase more lead detectors * PR & Communications The company followed a proactive communication strategy to address the issue. Conclusion The consumers reacted strongly to Mattel’s response. The case elaborates how systemic failures can almost cripple a global leader. Most importantly, the ‘made in china’ brand lost significant reputation because of this episode. However, better measures and corporate controls resulted from this event and they eventually transformed the manufacturing world for the better.

Personal Statements Essay

Thinking about humanity nowadays and people’s preoccupations made me realize the huge impact that crimes and criminal justice have on their decisions and the way they receive and react at the details and information about a crime. Television news, newspapers and magazines, they all speak about crimes, unsolved criminal problems or strange disappearances. The world’s evolution, its issues have pushed societies nowadays to extreme gestures to escape from poverty problems. Why do people commit crimes? How much crime is there committed around us? Which would be the profile of a criminal and which would be his or her characteristics? Moreover, how could these crimes is stopped? I have been attracted to criminology since the early age of just 12. I was watching Discovery channel series like â€Å"Deadly women†, â€Å"Life of a crime†, â€Å"Most evil† and I was fascinated by the way those people were investigating and solving those crimes helped by only some fragile and minor details. As time passed by, I realized that this was my hobby and so I started thinking how I could develop my skills for a career in criminology. I thought that if I entered an exact sciences high school profile, I would constantly keep my mind focused, as subjects like mathematics or informatics enlarge your vision. As criminology implies psychology, I was and I am still interested in this fascinating subject. I will always be interested in discovering the characteristics of human nature. I had contact for the first time with Psychology in the second year of high school. I also read very interesting books about psychology and criminology such as â€Å"Psychology and Crime Myths and reality†, by Peter Ainsworth, â€Å"Criminology†, by John Conklin, etc, describing its characteristics and feeding my curiosity. I have discovered myself a lot of skills after reading those books and this was an extra reason for me to attend to a Criminology course. Besides criminology, I also like IT (information technology). As technology occupies a significant part of our lives, I thought it would be helpful to certificate my skills: I obtained my OCP certificate for ORACLE sql database course; I attended the ECDL (European Computer Driving Licence) courses from where I got a diploma as a complete operator of the Microsoft Office package. At present, I am attending the ORACLE pl_sql programming course which I am going to finalise in May 2009 and obtain my certificate. Even though I have been focusing on my ambitious plans and my future, I haven’t forgotten the ones that weren’t so lucky when speaking about family’s kindness and warmth. So, I was involved myself in volunteer projects every Christmas and Easter. The volunteer action is called National Strategy â€Å"The Community Action†. In present, I intended a new strategy to help the mentally or physically affected children at the â€Å"Orizont† Center in my town, Constanta. In my opinion, abandoning you own child is a crime and if he or she has a handicap it is ten times worse. As I am a very active person, I also took part to a lot of extracurricular activities, like: general-knowledge quizzes, chemistry contests where I have participated with the project â€Å"Water crystals. Crystal therapy† and gained two prizes, I am part of the high school volleyball team with which I won a lot of regional and national competitions, I had a job as an IT operator for introducing and validating dates within the POL-RENAV company, etc. Considering the fact that criminology is my hobby (terrorism, youth crimes, homicide, violence in crimes), it would be the perfect course for me to study and improve at university. Studying the behavior of criminals or investigating their crimes will always create a challenging future and an interesting one, having always something new to learn. As a personal conviction, criminology is maybe the most complex job that one could want: it involves mental strength, devotion and 100% interest for this field. 2. For a number of years I have had more than a passing interest in Criminology, Psychology and Sociology; in particular Criminal Psychology, Neuropsychology, the nature versus nurture debate and the Criminal Justice System. Additionally, I hold equal interest in the research, both past and present, undertaken to develop theories and concepts in the Social Science fields. I would now like to pursue these interests at a higher academic level with the hope, upon completion of my study, to gain employment whereby I could effectively utilise the skills and knowledge I had obtained, possibly in the research field. The reasons behind my late entry into higher education are primarily due to immaturity and lack of direction. Throughout my teens and early twenties my life was unconventional; this is where I believe my interest in the working of the human mind and sociological influences stem from. I have reflected on the contributing factors that led me to make the choices I made during my adole scent years. For me this raises the question of whether the underlying causes were biological or socially influenced or even a mixture of the two. Over the years I have matured and gained a sense of direction regarding what I would like to do. In 1999, I decided I wanted to contribute to my local community by doing some form of voluntary work, in particular with those who suffer from mental health problems. I became a befriended through Hilling don Mind. A befrienderÃÆ' ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¾Ã‚ ¢s role is to support a person who is feeling isolated from the community. Every week I would visit my friend and sit and chat and lend an ear, we would also enjoy trips out into the community. I enjoyed my 12 months working as a befriended; I found it a humbling, fulfilling and rewarding experience. Sadly I had to make the difficult decision to leave the Hilling don Mind Befriending Scheme in the later part of 2000 due to unforeseen increased family and work commitments. In early 2006, I made the decision to return to education. As I had not been in full time education for 21 years, I chose to ease myself back into the system by studying a Horticulture course part time over a period of 2 years. I completed this course in July 2008 passing with 6 straight Distinctions at level 2; completing this course was the catalyst to further my education it gave me the confidence required to progress further. In September 2008, I enrolled on an Access to Psychology and Social Studies course and an additional GCSE Moths course at level 2. I am finding my current course both exciting and thought provoking and am enjoying life as a student immensely. My hopes are that on completion of both these courses I will have acquired a solid foundation of Social Sciences and the skills required to study at University. Throughout my life I have experienced a variety of roles within the work force including care work, administrative roles, production line work and voluntary research work for several websites. I have raised my two daughters, 5 & 17, almost single handed for the last 8 years; the eldest of which is in her final year of a levels and is currently in the process of applying to universities. For a number of years I have successfully maintained 2 Allotments, although they require a great deal of physical work I find growing my own produce extremely satisfying. Additionally, I enjoy listening to a variety of music and reading, in particular non-fictional crime. I manage my ongoing commitments to my children, education and allotments extremely well, indicative of conviction, dedication and good time management skills. Law with Criminology Personal Statement Social development within the country is based around the well-structured judicial system; however, this fundamental principle is not true for all countries and therefore permits shocking injustices to be carried out on the most vulnerable members of a society. It is from this that I believe my interest in Law stems. I am a keen, ambitious, diligent student and always strive to reach the best I can in whatever I do. Studying A levels in Business Studies, English Language and Biology gives me broad knowledge of different topics from which I have acquired many valuable skills that I believe can assist my studies in Law. Business Studies has been particularly useful when developing my understanding of the financial world and ever-changing business laws. Applying and examining bureaucracy and red tape to set case studies, has encouraged me to research further into the world of consumer rights and explore what is acceptable and not. I have enjoyed studying Biology and having to work close ly as a team when completing practical experiments with precision. English Language has given me the opportunity to analyse written texts which will be an advantage when studying cases and having to pick out key information. Studying AS Psychology has encouraged me to examine how criminal minds work and whether particular events from earlier years of life can have an effect. Recently, I attended a Foundation Degree Law Course where the idea was to become a â€Å"Lawyer for the week† and develop the learning skills required for University. During the week I had ‘hands on’ experience and undertook many legal practices such as taking witness statements and drafting statements of case. I found the course thoroughly enjoyable, particularly offering legal advice, and it helped me to realise how Law influences everyday decisions and activities. I have contributed too many different aspects of school life ranging from playing in successful musical concerts to becoming a senior student as a Year 8 mentor for which I had to attend two peer mediation courses. From this I learnt how to enhance my listening skills and empathise with those around me, offering reliable advice at the same time. I believe this would assist me when recommending legal advice to clientele. Along with a small group of other students, I am currently helping to set up a Committee to improve Sixth Form Life. Although this is to be carried out alongside my lessons, it helps me to plan my time well who benefits my studies when completing coursework and other various set tasks. The Young Enterprise Scheme, where it was our job to set up a company and assign ourselves roles within it, was a good insight into having to work as a team and understand business laws. I was chosen as the company secretary as I had the organizational skills which were necessary, this meant I had to work closely with the Managing Director to discuss issues and then make sure that every employee understood the tasks set. This developed my interpersonal skills as I had to liaise between staff, students and visitors from external companies. Personal well being is something I value and so participate regularly in exercise, giving me a sense of achievement when I overcome a certain obstacle or beat a personnel target. At school, this reflects my self discipline approach to studying. I have had to institute a system of time management alongside my education as I work part-time twice a week at South Deep Cafe. Working there for three years has, primarily, made me particularly approachable, as I have learnt many valuable customer relation skills, but has also reflected my trustworthiness and commitment especially when training other employees. As an enthusiastic, well-rounded, dedicated student, I feel I have the attributes and genuine passion needed to succeed on a Law Course, and look forward to the many challenges and aspects of life at University. Law and Criminology/Sociology Personal Statement From a young age, I have been fascinated by law and was thrilled at the possibility of studying it at A-Level. In August 2007, I was able to spend two weeks working at Naves Solicitors in Lupton. Most of my time was spent in the Conveyancing department, where Andrew Orriss, a partner in the firm, taught me how to draw up commercial leases and business contracts, and about buying, selling and renting residential properties. I most enjoyed meeting clients and discussing their cases. I found that moving house many times as a child enabled me to be sympathetic and relate to the clients. My time at Neves has made me more intent on pursuing a career in the law, as I liked the work and fitted in well with the staff. I believe my current studies of Law, English Language and History complement each other well and would give me an advantage at university, as they have furthered my strong reading and writing abilities, and taught me to be more logical and investigative. I also took Religious Studies at AS-level as I like learning about other peoples’ beliefs, and it helped me to become more open-minded. I enjoy getting involved with activities in my Sixth Form, such as planning the Summer Ball in Year 12. I was chosen by our Deputy Head Girl to take the minutes for the meetings and email them to the other committee members, and my minutes were commended by my Head of Year. I was also asked to assist with the Sixth Form Induction Evening. My duties involved welcoming prospective students and their parents, handing out prospectuses, and talking to them about my own experiences of Sixth Form. In Year 13, I was chosen as a History subject mentor to help struggling Year 12 students, and I also helped out on a trip to Germany with students in years 7 to 9. Outside of school, my hobbies include photography, bass guitar, and writing. In 2006, I came second in a BBC writing competition for young people in Northamptonshire. Having grown up in France, I am bilingual, and my next challenge is to write a short story in French. I also have a part-time job at McDonald’s, which has taught me about working with others, as well as coping with pressure. One of the crucial parts of my job is ensuring that customers are satisfied, and occasionally dealing with complaints. I believe the people skills I have gained from McDonald’s will help me in other aspects of my life. I regularly attend my local church and Christian youth group. In July 2007, I had the opportunity to go to Kosovo for a fortnight with other members of the youth group. Our aim was to help widows and orphans affected by the Yugoslav Civil War and the ethnic cleansing of Kosovans in 1999. We redecorated homes and schools, ran children’s clubs, distributed aid, and visited a Roma gypsy camp. It was a very profound and moving experience, and one I hope to repeat at some point in the future. This is the reason for my deferred entry to university. I plan to spend a few months fundraising, and then return to Kosovo for the remainder of the year to continue the work we started there. I believe that I am a confident and enthusiastic person who would benefit greatly from studying at university. I am passionate about the law and would like to have a career as a lawyer. I also have a keen sense of justice and an interest in Sociology and Criminology and would consider working with the Prison Service or the CPS. I think that studying Law at university would help me make the best possible use of my analytical and writing skills, and that a career in Law would satisfy my need to help.